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Luke Kennard Poised for Key Role as Lakers Face Challenges Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves

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On Easter Sunday, the American Airlines Center stage seemed unusually bare, missing several of its brightest stars. While LeBron James was present, and 19-year-old sensation Cooper Flagg showcased his talent on the opposite end, notable absences were felt. Fans expected the return of Luka Doncic to Dallas, but he was missing, along with Austin Reaves and Kyrie Irving.

With these key players sidelined, the opportunity arose for others on the Los Angeles Lakers to step into the spotlight. One such player looking to make his mark is Luke Kennard.

For the Lakers, this situation transcends merely enduring a period without their top scorers, who combined, average a formidable 58 points per game. Instead, it’s about crafting a new team identity that can carry them through the rest of the regular season and into the initial NBA playoff rounds.

“Both those guys are going to try and come back,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick commented regarding Doncic and Reaves. “It’s our responsibility to extend the season so they have that chance.”

Despite playing without their key playmakers, the Lakers struggled against the Dallas Mavericks, succumbing to a 134-128 defeat. However, amidst the loss, Luke Kennard’s performance provided a glimmer of hope.

The former 12th overall pick in the 2017 Draft was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 5 for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. Kennard was always seen as a luxury for the Lakers, a spot-up shooter off the bench that could improve their paltry three-point percentage. 

Thrust into the starting lineup at point guard in place of Doncic, Kennard was suddenly asked to do something he hasn’t done before in his nine-year career: become a playmaker. 

Entering the game, Kennard was averaging 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Through two-and-a-half quarters on Sunday, he had his first career triple-double, finishing with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists. He also had the highest rating out of any Lakers player on the floor with a +8.

“It’s an encouraging sign. He did a nice job,” said Redick of Kennard’s performance. “Him playing 41 minutes and having to handle the ball that much is not a normal thing for him…but he did some amazing things.”

Before we get carried away, it’s worth noting that one game does not erase years of precedent. Kennard has built his career as a three-point specialist. A sniper that can hide in the corner, and space the floor. Asking him to morph into any version of Luka Doncic is not just ambitious, but it borders on reckless.

But honestly, what other choice do the Lakers have?

Without Doncic and Reaves, the offense doesn’t just shrink, it collapses inward. The geometry changes. A 41-year-old James will be asked to shoulder the offensive load, but he can’t have the ball in his hands for 48 straight minutes. And unless someone stretches the floor not just with shooting, but with decision-making, this team becomes predictable. Easy to guard. Easy to beat.

“We’re going to play lineups that haven’t played together all season,” said Redick before the game. “All the guys know that we need to step up. We need all hands on deck.”

One of those hands has to be Kennard. 

He has to be aggressive. Not selectively. Consistently. That means hunting his shot, not waiting for it. That means turning a closeout into a drive, not a swing pass. That means reading the second defender, manipulating weak-side help, and delivering passes that create advantage—not just maintain it. Sunday was a promising start, especially when he threw a lob to James on the break in the third quarter.

But if the Lakers think they can outscore teams without Doncic and Reaves, they’re fooling themselves. This team’s margin for error just evaporated. Effort, communication, physicality—those aren’t optional now, they’re survival tools. And while Kennard’s offensive evolution is a must, his defensive engagement might quietly be just as critical.

Because on Sunday, it wasn’t even the Lakers offense that was the problem. It was the defense. Against a Mavericks team that was 24-53 and already looking ahead to ping-pong balls, the Lakers defense, that had held opponents to 115 points per game this season, allowed Dallas to score 134. Nearly 20 points more than normal.

“Missing those two guys is a big change,” admitted Kennard after the loss. “We did some really good things offensively, but it has to be defense for us. That’s what we have to hang our hat on going forward.”

Kennard isn’t being asked to replicate Doncic. That would be absurd. He’s being asked to expand—to stretch the edges of his game in real time, under pressure, with no runway. That’s where players either evolve or get exposed.

“It’s something I’ve never really done, being that involved and having the ball in my hands that much,” said Kennard of his new role. “I have to be better with it. The shots are going to fall, but it’s about getting everyone connected and being organized out there and just being confident with it. It’s something I’m looking forward to getting better with.”

If Kennard can sustain even 70% of what he showed on Sunday–double-digit assists, keep defenses honest with his shooting, and compete defensively–then the Lakers can stay afloat.

But if he shrinks—if he defaults back into being a spot-up spectator—then the Lakers season will be over sooner than later.


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Unveiling Elegance: Teens Discover Their Perfect Look at the 5th Annual C-U Prom Giveaway Event


CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Community members in Champaign County are in for a treat as the C-U Prom Giveaway returns, offering a wide selection of dresses, jewelry, shoes, and suits.

Now in its fifth year, the annual event is reaching a significant milestone, showcasing the impressive number of individuals it has supported over time.

Meghan Shares Adorable Easter Egg Hunt Moments with Lilibet and Archie at Home

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The Duchess of Sussex has offered a rare peek into her family’s Easter celebrations with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a delightful moment for her followers. Meghan took to Instagram to share endearing clips of their holiday activities at their Montecito home in the United States.

The social media posts captured the family joyfully engaging in an Easter egg hunt, feeding their chickens, and decorating eggs. These cozy, intimate moments provided a glimpse into their relaxed home life away from the public eye.

Across the Atlantic, back in England, the Prince and Princess of Wales were seen attending the traditional Easter service. This marked their first public appearance at the event since Kate’s cancer diagnosis, underscoring the family’s resilience and commitment to royal duties.

During the service, Princess Charlotte received a tender gesture from her grandfather, a touching scene that highlighted the familial bonds, even as her cousins celebrated Easter miles away. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, though largely distant from their father’s side of the family, seemed to relish their festive activities.

One particularly charming video shared by the Duchess featured young Lilibet, delightfully adorned with bunny ears and clutching a plush rabbit, as she wandered through their garden. This sweet image encapsulated the simplicity and joy of childhood, offering a heartwarming snapshot of the day.

In a rare close-up video, Archie is seen decorating an Easter egg by painting it while it spins on a dinosaur-themed wheel, creating colorful patterns.

The Duchess was also seen feeding her chickens before going hunting for eggs in a coop.

The two children were also seen running through the garden together with baskets in hand as they began their Easter egg hunt. 

Prince Harry could not be seen in any of the videos shared by the Duchess. 

Meghan shared the video just a day after Harry posted a selfie from a ski trip with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Winter Olympian Eileen Gu.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were seen hunting for Easter Eggs at home

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were seen hunting for Easter Eggs at home

The Duchess shared a rare close up video of Prince Archie as he painted his Easter egg

The Duchess shared a rare close up video of Prince Archie as he painted his Easter egg

Lilibet was seen walking through the garden wearing bunny ears and carrying a plush rabbit

Lilibet was seen walking through the garden wearing bunny ears and carrying a plush rabbit

In Windsor, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children attended the traditional Easter service for the first time since Kate's cancer diagnosis

In Windsor, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children attended the traditional Easter service for the first time since Kate’s cancer diagnosis

Kate and William were among the senior members of the Royal Family to join the King and Queen at the Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Sunday.

William waved to the large crowd outside the castle as the pair led a procession to the service with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The main group, led by William and Kate – in a £360 cream Self Portrait tailored dress and Juliette Botterill hat, with Queen Elizabeth’s ‘Bahrain’ pearl earrings and a brown Demellier London bag – walked down from Windsor Castle on foot to St George’s Chapel.

Charlotte, ten, in a camel-coloured coat with brown velvet cuffs and collar, waved excitedly to well-wishers as her brother Prince Louis, seven, walked proudly alongside her.

Future king Prince George, 12, appeared to have had another growth spurt – and not only towered over his siblings, but seemed to be quickly catching up with his mother.

Finally, the King and Queen were driven down to the chapel in the State Bentley, Camilla regal in a red wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, hat by Philip Treacy and a Queen Elizabeth II brooch.

The King beamed broadly as he saw his family, clearly delighted at the turnout.

Also present were Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh and his son James, Earl of Wessex, 18. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh was, apparently, ‘under the weather’ and their daughter, Lady Louise, busy studying. In addition Peter Phillips had brought along not only his fiancee, Harriet Sperling, but also her daughter, Georgina, 13, for the first time.

The couple, both of whom have been married previously, are due to wed in June. Georgina was flanked by her two stepsisters-to-be, Savannah Phillips, 15, and Isla Phillips, 14. 

Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, and her husband Daniel made up the family group.

Notably absent from the Easter Matins service were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. 

King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, sweetly patted a beaming Princess Charlotte on the shoulder as he made his way into church for the Royals' traditional Easter Sunday service

King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, sweetly patted a beaming Princess Charlotte on the shoulder as he made his way into church for the Royals’ traditional Easter Sunday service 

The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, beamed broadly as he saw his family, clearly delighted at the turnout

The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, beamed broadly as he saw his family, clearly delighted at the turnout

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, clutching a bouquet, looked happy and healthy as they turned out for Royal Family's annual Easter Sunday service

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, clutching a bouquet, looked happy and healthy as they turned out for Royal Family’s annual Easter Sunday service

Prince Louis shakes hands as Princess Charlotte and their father Prince William look on

Prince Louis shakes hands as Princess Charlotte and their father Prince William look on 

With Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor banned from public family occasions and currently being investigated by police over allegations of misconduct in public office, his daughters had made alternative plans this year with the agreement of the King.

Sources have maintained they will join the Royal Family on future occasions, but in the current circumstances it was decided that they would stay away this Easter.

After the hour-long service, during which prayers were said for the Royal Family and the National Anthem sung, the royal party moved from the chapel to the deanery for tea with the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend Christopher Cocksworth.

Charles appeared alongside Camilla after around 20 minutes and greeted the public waiting patiently outside the chapel.

As they walked back up the hill to the castle, Catherine could be seen giving her daughter, Charlotte, a proud hug, placing her arm around her shoulders and squeezing her.

Meghan’s Easter post comes ahead of the couple’s planned trip to Australia later this month.

A spokesman for the couple said: ‘Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will visit Australia to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements.’

Meghan will be the star attraction at a women-only event in Sydney, while Harry will address a mental health conference in Melbourne.

It is understood Harry and Meghan’s children will not be joining them on the trip.

The Sussexes carried out an official royal tour to Australia in 2018, five months after their wedding, and Meghan’s pregnancy with Archie was announced shortly after their arrival.

Three Teens Apprehended in Connection with Alleged Assault on Peer

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Three 14-year-olds have been arrested following a shocking alleged gang attack on a boy in a Geelong alleyway.

Police were alerted by a passerby to a clash involving teenagers near Little Malop Street and James Street around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Disturbing video footage reveals a group of five teenage boys relentlessly attacking another boy with kicks, punches, and slaps, while a sixth boy stands guard at the entrance of the laneway.

Geelong alleyway brawl
Shocking vision showed a group of five teenage boys repeatedly kicking, punching and slapping the boy while another boy kept watch at the entrance to the laneway. (Nine)

During the altercation, the victim is struck on the head with a glass bottle, shattering it.

A bystander quickly intervenes to help the victim, prompting the group to disperse.

Police spoke with two of the boys and the victim at the scene, but no one was willing to make a formal statement, according to authorities.

Three 14-year-old males were arrested this afternoon in relation to the incident, police said.

They will be interviewed by investigators.

Officers are still working to identify the remaining youths involved, police said.

“We know who they are, we will get them and we will put them before a magistrate or through the appropriate justice process,” Inspector Clare Murphy said before the arrests were made.

“As police we see a lot of violence in our community, but what is really disheartening with this is the age of the offenders involved and the viciousness and the language and the brutality of it is really disturbing.

“It’s an incredibly cowardly act. It’s disgusting.”

Inspector Clare Murphy
Following the review of CCTV footage, Inspector Clare Murphy urged the offenders to come forward before police came knocking. (Nine)

Wednesday’s incident is the latest in what locals say is a regular occurrence of crime that is driving customers away from the area.

“God knows what’s going to happen next, you know, that’s what I always wonder,” cafe owner Asger Hussain Aga said.

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the council was committed to doing what it could to crack down on anti-social behaviour on the city’s streets.

“We’ve gotta take back control of the streets and the only way to do that is if there is consequences for behaviour,” Kontelj said.

Geelong alleyway brawl
Police have arrested three 14-year-old males and are searching for others. (Nine)

“At the moment it’s too soft, it’s too one-handed.”

Victoria police said it was “strongly focused” on safety in Geelong’s CBD, with a particular focus on Little Malop Street.

“We’re well aware of the challenges within the mall area,” Murphy said.

“It’s a vibrant area for the Geelong community and council and stakeholders and retailers and business owners are working really hard to make that a really attractive environment for people to come in.

“It is really frustrating that we have a small cohort of individuals that really spoil it for everybody else.”

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WNBA Free Agency Frenzy: Fast-Track Offers Kick Off This Monday – Don’t Miss Out!


PHOENIX — In an announcement made on Sunday, the WNBA and the players’ union have jointly decided to kick off the free agency period starting Monday.

Over the next two days, teams are required to extend qualifying offers to players whose rights they wish to retain. Additionally, teams have the opportunity to designate one eligible player with a franchise tag, often referred to as the “cored” status.

Updated:

PHOENIX (AP) — The WNBA and its players’ union agreed to start free agency on Monday, the league announced Sunday.

Teams will have two days to send qualifying offers to players who they have reserved rights for. Teams will also have a chance to offer a franchise tag to one player who is eligible to be cored.

Then, starting Wednesday, teams can begin meeting with unrestricted free agents, with the ability to offer them contracts starting Saturday.

More than 80% of the league’s players are free agents this year, as players had signed deals that expired at the end of last season.

There are only two veteran players who aren’t under rookie contracts that are signed for this season — Seattle’s Lexie Brown and Phoenix’s Kalani Brown.

Usually teams have a few weeks to court free agents to join their franchise. There’s a chance that many players may just re-sign with their current teams for a year and revisit free agency after the season.

Players could also go after the money and accept a bigger contract from a team they might not know as much about.

The college draft is scheduled for April 13 in New York.

The WNBA and its players’ union agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement last month. The new seven-year CBA, which begins this season and runs through 2032, represents a transformational landmark labor deal for the league. The deal was unanimously ratified by the WNBA Board of Governors and approved through a players’ vote.

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AP WNBA:

Iran and the US Consider 45-Day Ceasefire Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz


In a significant development late Sunday, a draft proposal emerged calling for a 45-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States, with the added goal of reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This information, obtained by The Associated Press from two Middle Eastern officials who requested anonymity, underscores the international community’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The ceasefire proposal, crafted by mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, aims to create a diplomatic pause long enough to foster discussions toward a more permanent peace agreement. As of yet, there has been no official response from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi or U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, to whom the proposal has been directed.

Meanwhile, the conflict’s intensity was underscored by the death of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s head of intelligence on Monday, as reported by Iranian state media. The attack was specifically targeted, highlighting the volatile situation on the ground.

Over the weekend, violence flared as strikes across Iranian cities claimed more than 25 lives between Sunday and Monday. In Israel’s city of Haifa, an Iranian attack resulted in two fatalities, with another two individuals missing amidst the debris, marking a grim turn in the ongoing hostilities.

Amid these tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump heightened his rhetoric on Sunday, threatening severe repercussions on Iran’s vital infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by his stipulated deadline of Tuesday. This move places additional pressure on Iran’s government amid the escalating regional conflict.

Trump punctuated his threat with profanity in a social media post, saying Tuesday will be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran.”

The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened and hit civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes from the United Nations and international law experts.

Here is the latest:

Death toll rises in strike on Iranian residential building

The death toll in an airstrike on a Iranian residential building has risen to at least 15 people, authorities said Monday

The strike hit near Eslamshar, a city southwest of Iran’s capital Tehran.

Professor says airstrike hit Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology

An airstrike hit an information and communication technology building at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology on Monday morning, according to Mohammed Vesal, an economics professor at the university.

Vesal, who spoke to a team from The Associated Press that had traveled to Iran from abroad to report there, said the attack disrupted online learning for the university.

All students have left the campus because of the war.

“All web services of the university are down now because of this violent attack on our infrastructure,” Vesal said. “This is a purely academic institution.”

Sharif University of Technology is considered Iran’s top engineering school.

Multiple countries over the years have sanctioned the university for its work with the military, particularly on Iran’s ballistic missile program, which is controlled by the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Israel claims killing of Revolutionary Guard intelligence head

Israel claimed the killing of the intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Monday.

Defense Minister Israel Katz made the announcement.

“The Revolutionary Guard are shooting at civilians and we are eliminating the leaders of the terrorists,” Katz said. “Iran’s leaders live with a sense of being targeted. We will continue to hunt them down one by one.”

Katz added Israel had “severely damaged” Iran’s steel and petrochemical industries, as well.

“We will continue to crush the Iranian national infrastructure and lead to the erosion and collapse of the terrorist regime, and its capabilities to promote terror and fire at the state of Israel,” he said.

Iran Revolutionary Guard intelligence head killed

The head of intelligence for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed Monday in an attack targeting him, Iranian state media said.

Maj. Gen. Majid Khademi died in the attack, which the Guard blamed on the United States and Israel.

It did not elaborate on where Khademi was killed. However, multiple airstrikes targeted residential areas around Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Monday morning.

Khademi took over for Gen. Mohammad Kazemi, who Israel killed in the 12-day war in June.

The Guard’s intelligence organization wields vast powers within Iran and answers only to the country’s supreme leader. It often has been linked to the detention of Western nationals or those with ties abroad. It also has been accused of carrying out extraterritorial killings and attacks targeting opponents of the country’s theocracy.

Iran and US receive draft proposal for war ceasefire

Iran and the United States have received a draft proposal that calls for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a possible way to end the war, two Mideast officials told The Associated Press.

The proposal comes from Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators working to halt the fighting, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations.

They hope the 45-day window would provide enough time for extensive talks between the countries to reach a permanent ceasefire.

Iran and the U.S. have not responded to the proposal, which was sent late Sunday night to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, the officials said.

It remains unclear whether the sides would agree to such terms. Iran has insisted it will keep fighting until it receives financial reparations and a promise it won’t be attacked again. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iranian bridges and power stations this week.

The news website Axios first reported terms of the proposal.

Iranian drone strikes UAE telecommunications building

An Iranian drone attack damaged a telecommunications building in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the state-run WAM news agency reported.

The attack targeted a building of the state-funded du telecom company.

No one was injured, WAM reported, quoting officials in Fujairah.

South Korea spy agency sees no signs of North Korea supplying Iran

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service says there are no signs North Korea is providing Iran with weapons or other war-related supplies.

The spy agency’s officials told lawmakers Monday that North Korea may be taking a cautious approach to preserve the possibility of dialogue with the Trump administration, according to two lawmakers who attended the closed-door briefing.

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran as illegal, but the NIS said Pyongyang has not sent an official condolence message over the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late supreme leader.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in recent years has embraced the idea of a “new Cold War” and attempted to expand cooperation with countries confronting the U.S., including an economic delegation sent to Iran in April 2024.

South Korea plans to send ships and special envoys to Saudi Arabia

South Korea plans to send at least five ships to Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port in the coming weeks to establish new oil transport routes in the Red Sea.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said Monday the ships will be deployed in phases beginning in mid-April and the number of vessels could increase depending on contracts with Saudi partners.

Officials did not disclose the companies involved but said some domestic refiners may use non-Korean shipping firms.

South Korea also plans to send special envoys to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Algeria to step up diplomatic efforts to secure alternative fuel supplies, ruling party lawmaker Ahn Do-geol said.

The foreign ministry did not immediately reveal when the envoys would be sent.

Iran executes man over January protests

Iran has executed another man convicted over charges stemming from the nationwide protests that swept Iran in January.

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency identified the man hanged as Ali Fahim in a report Monday.

It was unclear when he was executed.

Fahim had been convicted of allegedly storming a military base to seize weapons.

Amnesty International said Fahim and others convicted in the case “were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention, including beatings, floggings, prolonged solitary confinement, and death threats at gunpoint before being convicted in grossly unfair trials that relied on forced ‘confessions’ extracted under torture and lasted only a few hours.”

The Human Rights Activist News Agency had said Fahim and others had entered a Tehran base of the all-volunteer Basij militia, an arm of the Revolutionary Guard, after it had been burned, then had been forced into confessions.

Iranian missiles hit central Israel

Israel rescue services reported Monday morning several sites were hit by missiles launched from Iran toward multiple cities in the center of Israel.

In Petah Tikva, paramedics provided medical treatment to an injured woman in serious condition with a chest injury from shrapnel and evacuated her to the Beilinson Hospital.

Fire fighters in that city are handling cars on fire and continue searching to ensure there are no people trapped in the rubble.

In Tel Aviv, a man slightly injured by glass shrapnel was evacuated to the Ichilov Hospital.

Footage provided by rescue service Magen David Adom shows damage to residential buildings due to the attack.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military warned the public Monday morning of another missile barrage coming from Iran, the fourth-such alert of the day.

Iranian missiles strike several locations in Haifa

Israel’s Magen David Adom and Fire and Rescue services said early Monday that there are several reported sites of Iranian missile hits in the northern city of Haifa.

In one site, four people were slightly injured, including two children.

The missile attacks hit residential areas and a factory in the city.

The factory was hit by shrapnel from an interception.

It is unclear if all the reported hits were caused by shrapnel from interception or direct hits.

Video footage provided by Magen David Adom of the affected sites show active fire and bombed cars in what appears to be a residential area.

The missile strikes come a day after another attack from Iran also hit a Haifa residential area, killing two people and injuring others.

Two other people remain missing under the rubble caused by Sunday’s strike and their fate is still unknown.

1 person wounded in UAE after missile interception

In the United Arab Emirates’ capital of Abu Dhabi, authorities said a Ghanaian man suffered wounds from shrapnel after the interception of an Iranian missile over the city’s Musaffah neighborhood.

That’s near Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces and has been repeatedly targeted by Iran in the war.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Candace Cameron Bure Shares Candid Insights into Her Marriage with Valeri Bure

During the global isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cameron felt an increasing distance forming between her and Val, her husband since 1996, who once played as a right winger in the NHL.

“Things were deteriorating rapidly,” the mother of Natasha, Lev, and Maksim confessed on an episode of her podcast in July 2025. “I was uncertain. I thought, ‘I don’t know if we’ll get through this.'”

However, an unanticipated bible study session turned out to be a blessing. “Lev approached us, saying, ‘We need to have a conversation,’” Candace recalled about her second child. “He delivered an impressive 45-minute sermon on marriage. He had his bible open on the couch, guiding us through it.”

She attributes their marital revival to his insightful counsel. “He was a voice of calm carrying profound wisdom,” the Fuller House actress noted. “He met our eyes and asked each of us, ‘Have you done everything you can?’ Afterward, Val and I realized, ‘We’ve raised some remarkable kids.’”

Labeling it a “pivotal moment” in their relationship, she added, “Everything shifted for us after that discussion. It’s quite impactful when your children ask, ‘Are you being as mature as you should be?’”

Chris Perfetti Unveils Exciting Role in ‘DTF St. Louis’ as ‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Shines in Latest Episode

Chris Perfetti is finally stepping into the spotlight in the HBO series DTF St. Louis, offering fans a glimpse of his much-anticipated character.

**Note: Spoilers for DTF St. Louis Episode 6 are ahead. You can catch it now on HBO Max.**

Viewers have eagerly awaited Perfetti’s entrance in the HBO dramedy led by Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. Their patience was rewarded in Episode 6, titled “The Denny’s Plan,” where Perfetti’s enigmatic character finally made its debut, much to the intrigue of the audience.

Perfetti, familiar to many for his role as the history teacher Jacob Hill on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, was announced to join DTF St. Louis along with Joy Sunday as early as February 2025. While Sunday’s role as Jodie Plum has been unfolding since the series premiere, Perfetti’s part remained shrouded in mystery — until now.

The episode unfolds with Clark, played by Bateman, heading to Chicago. Here, he tries to persuade a seemingly random Denny’s waiter to engage with Floyd, portrayed by Harbour. Floyd is struggling with self-image and life direction, desperate for someone to appreciate him. This unfolds after Carol, played by Cardellini, could not bring herself to complete a sexual encounter with her husband, leaving Floyd in a state of emotional turmoil.

“Do you think you could get an erection from my friend for $900,” Clark asks Terry, the basically-a-stranger waiter at Denny’s who stands there looking confused and slightly concerned. As the waiter walks away to check on Clark’s Grand Slam — which he specifically ordered because it would take the longest amount of time to make — Perfetti’s anonymous character peeks out from the booth behind him to say, “I’ll do it.”

The cast of 'DTF St. Louis' at the premiere
Photo: Getty

Cut to the next scene, as Clark and this perfect stranger — now assuming the role of “Tiger Tiger” from the DTF St. Louis app — agree to have Perfetti’s character hop on a bus from Chicago to St. Louis and meet up with Floyd for an encounter. The plan goes awry, however, Tiger Tiger comes down to Missouri early and follows Clark and Floyd, only for him to back out at the last minute.

According to Tiger Tiger, seeing Floyd in person — heavier and more disheveled than he looked in the photos Clark had originally shown him — made him feel uncomfortable about going through with the catfishing and in-person meeting. Tiger Tiger also calls it off while Clark is at the park with Floyd, leading to an awkward encounter in which Clark must admit to having tried to pay Perfetti’s character to meet Floyd.

Here’s where things get interesting, though. Even after deciding to not go through with it, something prompts Floyd to go to the Kevin Kline Memorial Pool to meet up with Tiger Tiger, as they had previously set up a rendezvous. Did the fake Tiger Tiger show up and pull off a murder? Was it really Clark? Or have our suspicions of Linda been deserved all along? It looks like the answers will have to come in the final episode.

The first six episodes of DTF St. Louis are now streaming on HBO Max. The Season 1 finale airs on Sunday, April 12, at 9 p.m. EST.

If you’re new to HBO Max, you can sign up for as low as $10.99/month with ads, but an ad-free subscription will cost $18.49/month.

If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the discounted Disney+ Bundles with Hulu and HBO Max. With ads, the bundle costs $19.99/month and without ads, $32.99/month.

Toddler Hurt in Close Encounter with Wolf at Pennsylvania Zoo

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A young child sustained minor injuries after crawling beneath a fence and reaching into a wolf’s enclosure at a Pennsylvania theme park zoo, as confirmed by zoo representatives on Sunday.

The toddler never entered the wolf habitat at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which is linked to the Hersheypark theme park. Officials noted the injuries were slight but did not provide further details.

According to a statement from the zoo, the “unsupervised” child managed to reach the metal barrier surrounding the wolf area on Saturday morning and extended his hand inside, prompting a wolf to approach and make contact.

The zoo emphasized that this interaction reflected the wolf’s instinctual behavior and was not aggressive. “Our enclosures are crafted with multiple safety layers, and we have clear warnings and barriers to ensure visitors can safely observe the animals. We expect guests to stay within designated zones and closely monitor their children at all times,” the statement read.

Located within Hershey, Pennsylvania’s entertainment complex, the zoo is part of an attraction that includes a chocolate-themed amusement park. According to its website, ZooAmerica houses three gray wolves.

Hersheypark made headlines last summer when a lost boy wandering a monorail line above a crowd was rescued by a park visitor who climbed onto a building and jumped onto the rails. The child was unharmed and reunited with his family.

Iran Considers Withdrawing from World Cup if Venue Change Doesn’t Happen

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In Brief

  • Iranian officials say the team is unlikely to play World Cup matches on US soil.
  • Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has raised barriers for players and fans, with travel bans and visa limits in focus.

Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been cast into doubt following statements from sports minister Ahmad Donyamali. He emphasized that unless Iran’s scheduled matches are relocated from the United States to Mexico, their involvement remains uncertain.

The Iranian officials’ demand hinges on the need for enhanced security assurances for their players and staff, arguing that the current provisions fall short of FIFA’s stipulated standards for host countries.

“Our appeal to FIFA to shift Iran’s games from the US to Mexico is still on the table, but we await a response. If approved, Iran’s participation in the World Cup would be assured, yet FIFA has not replied,” Donyamali conveyed to Turkey’s Anadolu news agency on Sunday.

“Given these circumstances, Iran’s chances of competing in the US-hosted World Cup matches are minimal,” he added.

Iran, having secured qualification as the first team from Asia, is slated to play its group stage fixtures in the US. They are scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 16, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 22, and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

A list of the teams playing in Group G for the FIFA World Cup.
Iran is scheduled to play in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Source: SBS News

The tournament is being co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Donyamali said Iran’s players had continued their preparations, but made clear the government would decide whether the team ultimately travels, only if “the relevant security guarantees are provided”.

No Plan B

The uncertainty has unfolded against a series of increasingly pointed public exchanges between Iranian officials, US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino over whether Team Melli can, and should, play in the United States during wartime.

Within two weeks of the start of the war, Trump said Iran would be permitted to attend the tournament, but added: “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Iran’s football authorities responded sharply, with president Mehdi Taj saying: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”

He added: “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

FIFA has since rejected the request to move the fixtures, insisting all matches will proceed according to the draw and the schedule announced last year.

“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said after meeting Iranian officials last Wednesday.

In separate remarks, he also sought to reassure Iran’s delegation while shutting down suggestions of an alternative hosting arrangement.

“We want them to play; they are going to play in the World Cup. There are no Plans B or C or D; Plan A is the only plan,” Infantino said.

“We live in a complex geopolitical situation … but our work is to unite. We know it is a complicated situation but we will work to be sure that Iran plays in this World Cup in the best conditions.”

Donyamali, however, said Trump’s statements had only deepened doubts and argued security guarantees were a FIFA obligation under the governing body’s own rules.

At the border

The war has also intensified scrutiny of the United States as host, particularly as most matches in the expanded 48-team tournament will be played on American soil and concerns broaden beyond Iran’s participation alone.

Trump’s immigration crackdown has become the centrepiece of that debate, encompassing plans for social media screening for some visitors and travel bans affecting fans of World Cup teams Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti.

Amnesty International said last week that millions of fans risk encountering “troubling attacks on human rights” during the tournament, and warned that abusive US immigration policies could shape the event.

“The US Government has deported more than 500,000 people from the USA in 2025 — more than six times as many people than will watch the World Cup final in the MetLife Stadium [in New Jersey],” Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice, said.

“The record-breaking surge of unlawful arrests and deportations has only been possible because of the erosion of due process safeguards, undermining the rights to liberty and security of hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees.

“These policies have torn communities apart and created a climate of fear throughout the USA. It’s a deeply troubling time in the US, which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”

Cockburn also called for specific protections around the tournament itself.

“We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest or deportation.”


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